Hypoluxo Rd. signals at I-95 holding up traffic

Q: The state recently completed a redesign and construction on the southbound I-95 off-ramp to Hypoluxo Road, creating two left turn lanes for drivers going east on Hypoluxo. The timing and sequence of the lights has created another set of problems. When the light turns green, about seven to eight cars can turn east from the ramp before it turns red. The problem is that the next light at the I-95 northbound off-ramp is not in the same sequence, so only two to three cars get through that light. Help us alleviate this problem.

John Underwood, Lantana

A: Help is on the way. Palm Beach County traffic engineers soon will be making a signal timing and sequence change to eliminate the need for drivers turning left from the southbound off-ramp to stop again at the next signal at the east side of the interchange.

The signal displays must be modified first.

"The change will allow more eastbound green time to be provided through the interchange. The change will be made shortly," said Jonathan Overton, an engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation.

Q: The traffic signal at Southeast Third Avenue and Southeast Seventh Street in Fort Lauderdale needs to be adjusted to let more east-west traffic on 7th through the intersection. Traffic backs up on 7th and it takes two or three light changes to get through.

Charles Stroll, Fort Lauderdale

A: Good news for drivers at this and other downtown intersections.

Broward County traffic engineers are reviewing the lengths of signals and are in the process of implementing shorter cycle lengths throughout the day and on weekends. The signals should be adjusted by December 10.

Currently, drivers on Seventh are waiting less than one minute during rush hour and up to two minutes at other times. The signal operates in flash mode every day between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Q: In 2006, the Wynmoor retirement community was promised a sound barrier would be built along Florida's Turnpike in 2008. To date nothing has been started. The loud noise is unbearable around the clock. Is there a reason why the noise barrier can't be completed when it was approved several years ago?

A.V. Johnson, Coconut Creek

Turnpike widening from Atlantic Boulevard to the Sawgrass Expressway, which includes the noise walls, isn't included in the turnpike's five-year work program.

It's in the turnpike's long-range plan with officials seeking bids in July 2017.

Although this stretch of the turnpike could see construction before then to convert to all-electronic tolling, that work will not add capacity or change the configuration of the road in any way that would increase noise from traffic, said turnpike spokeswoman Sonyha Rodriguez-Miller. Therefore, it doesn't qualify as a project where noise walls would be considered.

The widening project, which officials thought at one time would begin in 2007, has been delayed several times due to a lack of funds.